Clinical child psychology training emphasizes understanding the psychological needs from infancy through adolescence within the context of the family and society in areas like social-emotional adjustment and behavioral health. Practice opportunities include private practice, hospitals, clinics, government institutions, teaching and research. Training programs usually require a minimum of four or five years of graduate study. Universities offering a concentration in clinical child psychology include the top-ranked University of Kansas and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Counseling psychology at the doctoral level focuses on the personal and interpersonal well being of children and adolescents, such as helping them resolve crises and relieve distress. Practice opportunities and training requirements are very similar to that of clinical psychologists. However, the philosophy of counseling psychology is lifespan based, and programs are not as likely to offer a child or adolescent concentration. Universities offering doctoral programs include top-ranked University of Illinois and the University of Minnesota.
School psychologists focus on helping children and adolescents succeed academically, emotionally and socially through consultation, counseling, interventions, program development and diagnostic assessments. Programs include a master’s degree as an education specialist and doctoral degrees, and range from 18 months study to four or five years for a doctorate. The majority practice in schools, although with a doctorate, practice opportunities are similar to clinical and counseling psychologists. Top-ranked training programs include the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Michigan State University.
Social workers provide counseling and therapy to relieve psycho-social and emotional problems for children and adolescents, looking at all aspects of the child’s life and culture. Practice opportunities include private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools and government institutions. Typical training includes two years of graduate study plus a field practicum. Top-ranked universities that offer a Master of Social Work degree include the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Psychiatric Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses provide services to children and adolescents, including medication and psychotherapy. Practice opportunities include private practice. Training is extensive with both master’s and doctoral level programs. Top-ranked universities offering training included Yale University and the University of California at San Francisco.
A master’s degree in psychology or counseling can lead to giving therapy to children and adolescents with appropriate employment or license. Practice opportunities include mental health clinics, public and private institutions and government institutions, possibly under a psychologist’s supervision. Private practice is possible with the appropriate license. Training programs typically include one or two years of graduate study with a practicum. Top-ranked programs include Vanderbilt University and the Teacher’s College of Columbia University.